Nightly Ritual

choosing a scent
adjusting temperature
pinning up hair
as tendrils escape
cares fade away

first, one toe
testing the waters
then body
submerged in clouds
of fluffy liquid

peaceful thoughts
drift in
as body relinquishes
its last hold
on the day

sighing, stretching
luxuriating in warmth
floating aimlessly
encased in perfumed
restorative comfort

a holy escape
bones flow
blood cools
limbs rest
mind wanders

head tilts
then succumbs
to a blissful vision
lost in reverie
sinking deeper

submersed in tranquility
a welcome reprieve
from life’s expectations
soaking inside out
completely saturated